Anne's Corner: 7/21/07 Meeting the Children

After a late arrival to B.A., a short rest, and a van ride, we head to Lanus Este (Charly's church)for our first scheduled activity. As we wind our way through the depleted neighborhood with our patient van driver, Daniel, I feel as though I'm truly on a mission to the inner city. Some sweet, small houses are tucked securely behind iron bars; otherwise, the streets are bleak and quiet and run down. A few confident dogs trot along the sidewalks. A few people are walking, scattered here and there. We arrive and my breath is taken. Before us are the most bright and colorful stained glass windows I have ever seen; they are like the window pane cookies made at Christmas - you know, the ones with the melted LifeSaver candies! Charly is out front to meet us, and his wife, Veronica, is right behind. And, then, quickly and quietly, the other adults there hurry to greet us with the customary kiss on the cheek, hugs, and warm words of welcome. The windows and the welcome are absolutely a reflection of the love within the doors.

Saturday is the day for children's and youth's Sunday School; Sundays weren't drawing children so the church tried something new. Under Veronica's direction, they began to offer afternoon activities for the church's children as well as children in the neighborhood. There were easily 40 children, from 2 to 16 or 17 years old. Most of the children were neatly and cleanly dressed; a few had smudged faces. I have never seen such a roomful of big eyes and beautiful smiles. I fell in love over and over again with them. The boys, including Carter, were playing soccer on the netted roof. With Chris' help, I asked one boy who spoke some English if girls ever played. "No! (Pause.) Would you like to play?" (I declined that invitation but am hopeful I will be extended another.) They disappeared to various classrooms for their lessons and to practice their Children's Service. (Lanus Este strongly believes their children are an integral part of their church and on August 5, they will perform the service. There is hope the neighborhood children's parents will attend "A show you don't want to miss" as one of the handmade invitations read.) Afterwards, we played with them, took pictures, and had tea. The children were intrigued with Bethany (I'm thinking, in part, due to her size, her hair, her beautiful eyes and smile)and, especially, the digital camera. During tea, they kept sneaking peeks at us and asked questions (Do we have cars? Do we have e-mail? How did we get there?...). I am very frustrated because I can't speak the language; however I do speak the smiles and the kisses!